Caterpillar, Inc

Material Planning Analyst

Caterpillar, Inc$89K — $133K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing environments.
  • Proficient in ERP systems like SAP or MACH1 for material planning and demand forecasting.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data analytics tools such as Power BI.
  • Experience in coordinating complex material flows and interplant shipments.
  • Ability to influence cross-functional teams and work without direct authority.
  • Knowledgeable in production scheduling and inventory management principles.

Responsibilities

  • Develop material plans for production lines to ensure timely assembly and shipping.
  • Coordinate material flow through various manufacturing processes including assembly and shipping.
  • Monitor inventory levels and proactively resolve supply chain constraints.
  • Participate in production scheduling to support quality and productivity goals.
  • Generate forecasts for parts and manage replenishment planning.
  • Collaborate with engineering and logistics teams to align material availability with production demand.
  • Drive improvements to enhance inventory management and operational execution.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) savings plan with employer contribution.
  • Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts.
  • Employee assistance and wellness programs.
  • Career development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
  • Incentive bonuses and various life insurance options.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Supply Chain and Logistics

Job Description:

As a Material Planning Analyst, you will serve as a key link between Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, Logistics, and Operations teams. This role is responsible for planning and coordinating the flow of materials into, through, and out of multiplemanufacturing value streams, ensuring production teams have the right materials at the right time to meet customer demand. From fabricated and machined components used in Track-Type Tractors to interplant shipments supporting multiple Caterpillar products and divisions world-wide, you will help drive execution across the entire material flow process while balancing inventory, production schedules, and operational priorities.

Additional Information:
  • Location: East Peoria, IL - Building LL.
  • Domestic relocation assistance is not available.
  • 5% travel may be required.
  • Sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • Applications accepted through September 15, 2026.


What You'll Do
  • Develop and execute material plans for assigned production lines and value streams to ensure all material requirements for prime product assembly, interplant component shipments, and aftermarket demand are met.
  • Coordinate the flow of materials throughout all aspects of manufacturing areas including machining, welding, paint, assembly, warehouse, and shipping operations.
  • Monitor material availability, inventory levels, and production requirements while proactively identifying and resolving supply chain constraints.
  • Participate in production scheduling and delivery planning activities to support productivity, quality, and cost objectives.
  • Generate forecasts and manage replenishment planning for parts and resources to maintain required service levels.
  • Collaborate closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Logistics, and Supply Chain partners to ensure alignment between production demand and material availability.
  • Support outbound shipments and interplant material transfers that provide components to other Caterpillar facilities and product groups.
  • Analyze ERP demand signals and planning data to identify risks, support recovery planning initiatives, and develop solutions to maintain uninterrupted production.
  • Utilize data analytics and visualization tools to communicate material status, inventory trends, risks, and recovery plans to stakeholders.
  • Drive continuous improvement efforts that enhance inventory performance, material flow efficiency, and operational execution.


What Makes This Role Exciting
  • Play a visible and highly impactful role managing material flow for products that help customers build and power the world.
  • Gain broad exposure across logistics, supply chain, manufacturing engineering, and operations teams.
  • Influence production execution without direct authority by building relationships and driving cross-functional alignment.
  • Develop expertise in production scheduling, material planning, inventory management, and supply chain operations.
  • Work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where no two days are the same and your decisions directly impact production success.
  • Utilize advanced planning systems, ERP tools, Power BI analytics, and operational data to solve complex business challenges.
  • Gain familiarity with a wide variety of manufacturing processes, systems, equipment, and materials, learning how to identify and creatively resolve throughput constraints to improve product flow.
  • Build a strong foundation for future career paths within Supply Chain, Operations, Production Scheduling, Logistics, and Manufacturing Leadership.


What skills you will have:

Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Evaluates complex information, analyzes alternatives, and makes informed decisions that balance business objectives, risks, and long-term organizational impact.

Problem Solving: Leads the identification, analysis, and resolution of complex business and operational challenges through structured problem-solving methodologies and continuous improvement practices.

Relationship Management: Builds and maintains strong, productive relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to drive collaboration, resolve issues, and achieve business objectives.

Internal Resource Coordination: Effectively aligns people, processes, and resources across functions to optimize collaboration, improve execution, and support organizational goals.

Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP): Utilizes inventory and distribution planning processes to ensure materials and products are available at the right locations to support operational and customer demand.

Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP): Coordinates production schedules, material availability, and capacity planning to ensure manufacturing operations meet demand and delivery requirements.

Top Candidates will also have:
  • Degree or equivalent experience.
  • Experience in manufacturing, supply chain, material planning, production scheduling, operations, logistics, or inventory management environments.
  • Knowledge of ERP-driven demand planning and material planning systems such as SAP, MACH1, or similar platforms.
  • Experience using Power BI, reporting tools, or data analytics to identify trends and drive decision-making.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and develop recovery plans when supply or production disruptions occur.
  • Understanding of manufacturing value streams, material flow processes, and inventory control principles.
  • Experience coordinating interplant shipments, supplier deliveries, or complex material movement activities.
  • Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive action without direct authority.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to build credibility across all levels of the organization.
  • Experience supporting fabricated, machined, welded, painted, or assembly-based manufacturing operations.
  • Background in production scheduling, capacity planning, or manufacturing execution is highly desired.

#LI

Summary Pay Range:

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement


* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

About Caterpillar, Inc

Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services worldwide. Since its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. in 2006, Progress Rail has used the Caterpillar international footprint to gain quick and widespread notice and approval across the globe. Product technology, reliability and durability, along with legendary aftermarket parts and service support, have been their keys to success. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The technology and world reach of Caterpillar, combined with the service standard and historical reliability of Progress Rail, ensures their products and services make a growing impact on the world rail industry. With their acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail is the world's largest builder of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including freight, intercity passenger, commuter, switching, industrial and mining. EMD is also a global provider of diesel power engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. Electro-Motive is the only diesel engine manufacturer of its size to have produced more than 70,000 engines. This success stems from product reliability, serviceability, load acceptance capability, low operating costs and ease of maintenance with standardized components.

Caterpillar, Inc. Careers

Join the robust team at Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, where innovation drives everything we do. As part of our team, you'll engage in work that improves the world and furthers your career with every project you touch.

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At Caterpillar, Inc., you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of groundbreaking projects that extend across the globe. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering, and we achieve it through a culture that fosters diversity and leadership development.

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Caterpillar offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform for professional growth and development. Whether you're interested in engineering, sales, marketing, or management, Caterpillar has a position that will utilize your unique skills and talents. We are continuously hiring innovative minds to propel our mission forward and maintain our status as industry leaders.

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Choosing a career at Caterpillar means more than just having a job. It means you're part of a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside unique perks like professional development and diversity training programs.

Innovation and Leadership

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Prepare for Your Interview

Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at Caterpillar by reviewing common questions and practicing your responses. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. At Caterpillar, Inc., every role offers the chance to make an impact. Come be a part of our team and drive the future of our global industries. Your career at Caterpillar is not just about what you'll accomplish, but how you'll grow and the innovation you'll lead. Join us and build a career that matters.
Learn more about Caterpillar, Inc
Size
107,700 employees
Market Cap
$125.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ

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